The Pope's "Government" of Vatican City State (as Head of State) and of the Catholic Church (as Pontiff) is assisted by the Roman Curia -- the Congregations and Dicasteries set up as his "Ministries". This article explains what each of the Disasteries is and what its role is in the governance of the Church or Vatican City State.

As a sovereign State, the Holy See sends diplomatic representatives to other nations (called Nuncios) and receives Ambassadors from other countries. This article from the Vatican Information Service provides some background on the Vatican Diplomatic Corps.